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© Kevin Van Campenhout/Artcurial Motorcars
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© Bonhams|Cars
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© Sylvain Huteau/Artcurial Motorcars
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© Simon Clay/RM Sotheby’s
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© Kevin Van Campenhout/Artcurial Motorcars
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© Artcurial Motorcars
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© Remi Dargegen/RM Sotheby’s
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© Mathieu Damiens/Bonhams|Cars
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© Neil Fraser/RM Sotheby’s
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© Kevin Van Campenhout/Artcurial Motorcars
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© Mathieu Damiens/Bonhams|Cars
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© Mattia Bortoluzzi/Artcurial Motorcars
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© Artcurial Motorcars
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© Shooterz.biz/RM Sotheby’s
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© Neil Fraser/RM Sotheby’s
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© Kevin Van Campenhout/Artcurial Motorcars
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© Simon Clay/RM Sotheby’s
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© Bonhams|Cars
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© Artcurial Motorcars
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© Simon Clay/RM Sotheby’s
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© Bonhams|Cars
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© Bonhams|Cars
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© Bonhams|Cars
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© Alexis Ruben/Artcurial Motorcars
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© Keno Zache/RM Sotheby’s
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© Bonhams|Cars
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© Bonhams|Cars
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© Peter Singhof/Artcurial Motorcars
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© Bonhams|Cars
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© Simon Clay/RM Sotheby’s
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© Neil Fraser/RM Sotheby’s
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When in Paris
Rétromobile returns to Paris from 5-9 February 2025. Some of the finest classic cars will gather in the French capital for the show’s 49th edition – and some of them will also be for sale.
There are three auctions taking place: Artcurial, Rétromobile’s official auction partner, is hosting one in the Porte de Versailles exhibition hall from 7-8 February; the RM Sotheby’s event, in the Salles du Carrousel of the Louvre Palace from 4-5 February; and a Bonhams|Cars sale in the magnificent Grand Palais on 6 February.
Here, we’ve selected 10 of our favourite cars from all three auctions – including those with the highest pre-sale estimates at each – and listed them in chronological order. Enjoy!
Prices are given in €, GBP£ and US$, and all conversions were correct at the time of writing
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1. 1904 Knox 16/18hp ‘Touraine’ (est: €100-140,000/£84-120,000/US$104-146,000)
The oldest car in our list celebrated its 120th birthday last year.
This 1904 Knox, for sale in the Bonhams|Cars auction, came to the UK from Canada in 2006.
Since then, the twin-cylinder-engined American classic has participated in the London to Brighton run.
It seats four – if you’re happy to perch up front.
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2. 1923 Mercedes 10/40/65 HP Sport (est: €160-200,000/£134-168,000/US$167-208,000)
How about this 1920s Mercedes in the Artcurial catalogue?
Mercedes unveiled the 6/25/40 and 10/40/65 models at the 1921 Berlin motor show, and became the first manufacturer to offer supercharged road cars.
This model’s Roots-type supercharger engages when the driver pushes the throttle to the floor.
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3. 1928 Lancia Lambda Torpedo Lungo (est: €70-100,000/£59-84,000/US$73-104,000)
The Lancia Lambda’s monocoque construction, independent front suspension and conventional pedals represented a step change from cars that came before it, and set the template for those that followed.
This Eighth Series tourer, coming to the RM Sotheby’s auction, is powered by a 2568cc version of Lancia’s V4 engine.
Lancia Lambdas competed in the Mille Miglia in period, which makes this long-wheelbase model eligible for today’s revival event.
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4. 1930 Bugatti Type 51 Grand Prix Usine (est: €1.7-2.3m/£1.4-1.9m/US$1.8-2.4m)
This ex-works Bugatti Type 51 is set to be one of the stars of the Artcurial sale.
Chassis 51154 was built as a Type 35, but was fitted with a 2.3-litre, twin-cam engine and became a Type 51, along with one other car.
Confusingly, it was later given a 1500cc engine, before it was returned to 2300cc specification.
As well as some competitive outings – including at the 1931 Nürburgring Grand Prix – this Bugatti was also used as a testbed for other components, including a supercharger.
Previous owners include Prince Bertil of Sweden and fashion designer Ralph Lauren.
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5. 1937 Packard Super Eight ‘Yacht’ by Chapron (est: €250-350,000/£210-293,000/US$261-365,000)
Shortly after designing the two-piece bikini in the mid-1940s, Louis Réard began his search for a promotional vehicle that would help advertise his creation.
In 1948, he asked coachbuilder Henri Chapron to bring his vision to life using a 1937 Packard Super Eight chassis.
The boat-shaped Packard travelled to French beaches and joined the Tour de France parade in the 1940s and 1950s.
Its last public appearance was at the Rétromobile show in 1987.
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6. 1937 Simca-Gordini 8 (est: €400-600,000/£330-495,000/US$415-600,000)
Amédée Gordini upgraded this Simca 8 with aluminium bodywork, a polished cylinder head, a stronger chassis and more.
Clearly confident in his modified creation, the Italian-born racing driver (who later became a manufacturer in his own right, then a famous Renault tuner) entered it into the 1938 Bol d’Or 24-hour competition – and won.
It was also campaigned at Le Mans twice, finishing second in class and 13th overall at the 1939 event.
It’s being offered in the RM Sotheby’s Paris sale.
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7. 1950 Ferrari 166MM Touring Barchetta (est: €4-6m/£3.4-£5m/US$4.2-6.3m)
This 1950 Ferrari 166MM has the joint-highest pre-sale estimate in the Bonhams|Cars catalogue, so all eyes will be on it at the Grand Palais on 6 February.
In 1950, the 166MM was delivered new to Count Paolo Marzotto, whose best results in the Ferrari included a fourth-place finish in the 1951 Mille Miglia and a win in the 1952 Giro di Sicilia.
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8. 1954 Bentley R-type Continental Fastback Sports Saloon (est: €1.8-2.4m/£1.5-2m/US$1.85-2.5m)
RM Sotheby’s calls this ‘one of the finest R-type Continentals in existence’, and we’re inclined to agree.
Chassis BC39LC was shown on the Bentley stand at the 1954 Brussels motor show, before being delivered to its first owner, in Belgium.
This fastback, whose coachwork was originally built by HJ Mulliner, was restored by UK specialist Clark and Carter before it was displayed at the 2015 Pebble Beach concours, where it was awarded second in class.
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9. 1954 Chevrolet Corvette (est: €80-100,000/£67-84,000/US$83-104,000)
Next: an American classic from the Artcurial catalogue.
This early C1-generation Corvette was one of the 3640 cars built in St Louis, Missouri, USA in 1954.
Its ‘Blue Flame’ straight-six engine and automatic gearbox were recently rebuilt by a specialist, while the bright-blue paintwork and box-section chassis were also restored.
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10. 1954 Ferrari Tipo 555 ‘Super Squalo’ (est: €4-6m/£3.4-5m/US$4.2-6.3m)
This is the second headliner from the Bonhams|Cars sale.
The fact it was raced by Mike Hawthorn, Giuseppe ‘Nino’ Farina, Piero Taruffi, Paul Frère and Peter Whitehead explains its £3.4-5m estimate.
One of two survivors, this Tipo 555 single-seater scored World Championship points in the 1955 Grand Prix at Spa, where it finished fourth in the hands of Frère.
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11. 1957 Fiat 1100/103 TV ‘Désirée’ Vignale (est: €80-120,000/£67-101,000/US$83-125,000)
This Fiat 1100 TV is believed to be one of just three ‘Désirée’ models built, with bodywork designed by Giovanni Michelotti and produced by Vignale – and now it’s for sale in the Artcurial auction at Rétromobile.
What’s more, this two-tone example was restored about a decade ago.
It’s since been granted an Automotoclub Storico Italiano (ASI) certificate and a Fédération Internationale des Véhicules Anciens (FIVA) identity card, confirming its authenticity.
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12. 1959 Steyr Puch Haflinger 700 AP prototype (est: €28-38,000/£23-32,000/US$29-40,000)
The second quirky classic from the Artcurial sale in this slideshow, after the boat-shaped Packard on slide six, is this military off-roader.
Originally designed for use by the Austrian army, this Haflinger is understood to be a prototype destined for the USA.
For whatever reason, it never crossed the Atlantic and became the sole example delivered to Italy.
This 12,000-mile vehicle has since been restored and its original engine has been rebuilt.
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13. 1964 Ferrari 250LM (in excess of €25m/£20.5m/US$26m)
Ferrari racing cars won Le Mans outright six times in a row between 1960 and 1965.
This 250LM, fielded by Luigi Chinetti’s North American Racing Team (NART), won in 1965. It took Ferrari until 2023 to claim its next overall victory at the famous 24-hour race.
That’s why this one-of-32 Ferrari 250LM is expected to achieve £20.5m-plus in the RM Sotheby’s Paris sale on 5 February. It’s the most expensive car in the catalogue – and this list.
The NART 250LM has been part of the Indianapolis Motor Speedway Museum’s collection since 1970.
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14. 1966 Aston Martin DB6 Shooting Brake by FLM Panelcraft (est: €550-700,000/£455-600,000/US$550-750,000)
British coachbuilders Radford and FLM Panelcraft both had a crack at creating an Aston Martin DB6 estate.
The latter’s effort featured a higher roofline and a split tailgate – but just three were built, including this one, for sale in the RM Sotheby’s auction.
It’s the sole left-hand-drive example. Ordered by a Texan who soon got rid of it, the car’s early history in North America is hazy.
Years later, it appeared in The Netherlands and was subsequently restored in the UK.
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15. 1966 Ferrari 275GTB (est: €2-3m/£1.7-2.5m/US$2.1-3.1m)
It looks like two Ferrari 275GTBs will be vying for the top spot in the Artcurial auction at Rétromobile: this aluminium-bodied car, with a pre-sale estimate of £1.7-2.5m, and another ‘long-nose’ car expected to achieve £1.8-2.2m.
We decided to feature this car, because its upper estimate is higher.
When it left the factory, this rare, all-aluminium car was fitted with three Weber 40 carburettors, however it was upgraded to a six-carburettor set-up at some point.
The Ferrari 275GTB was also restored by Cognolato in the 1990s.
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16. 1966 Shelby GT350 (est: €150-200,000/£125-165,000/US$156-210,000)
This white-and-blue 1966 Shelby GT350 was delivered to the Ford Advanced Vehicles headquarters in Slough, UK, before it was sold to its first private owner in Marseille, France, in 1969.
Following a string of French keepers, it was bought by specialist Burgol Automobiles, in Switzerland, in 2006.
RM Sotheby’s notes that it’s fitted with a few non-original components. Otherwise, it looks like a fantastic, usable example of a legendary American pony car.
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17. 1969 Chevrolet Camaro Z/28 (est: €120-160,000/£100-130,000/US$125-167,000)
The Z/28 kit was a popular option for the Chevrolet Camaro.
For about $400, buyers got the 302cu in V8, quicker steering and more. A four-speed manual gearbox and front disc brakes could be specified, too.
Restored in 2011, this car – consigned with Bonhams|Cars – is finished in its original shade of Fathom Green with white stripes.
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18. 1970 Alfa Romeo GT 1300 Junior Zagato (est: €35-45,000/£29-38,000/US$36-47,000)
In the late 1960s, Alfa Romeo turned to Zagato to give the 105-series Giulia a sporty makeover.
The Kamm-tailed coupé looked the part, but just 1108 Junior Zs were built during its three-year production run.
This restored car, from Artcurial’s catalogue, is one of the first 200 built. It was displayed on the Alfa Classic Club stand at Rétromobile in 2018.
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19. 1971 BMW 2000tii Touring (est: €30-40,000/£25-33,000/US$31-41,500)
You won’t miss this brightly coloured BMW in the RM Sotheby’s sale.
The fuel-injected 2000tii comes with a ‘birth certificate’ from BMW Classic.
It was repainted by Brussels-based specialist Carrosserie Janssens in 2020 as part of a €100,000-plus overhaul.
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20. 1971 Porsche 911S targa (est: €90-130,000/£76-110,000/US$94-135,000)
How about this green machine? It’s set to cross the block in the Bonhams|Cars sale on 6 February.
Powered by a 2.2-litre flat-six, this 911S was ordered with Hella foglights, a Blaupunkt radio and a heated rear window.
After two decades in the USA, it was imported to The Netherlands in 1993, where it joined its current owner’s collection in 1997.
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21. 1972 Alpine A110 1600S (est: €100-130,000/£84-110,000/US$104-135,000)
This Alpine, chassis 17808, was built as a Group 3-specification racer.
It was campaigned throughout Italy, racking up nine first-in-class finishes between 1972 and 1978.
Clippings from Autosprint magazine detailing the Alpine’s results are included in this Bonhams|Cars sale.
Since it settled in Modena in 1979, this Alpine A110 has been restored twice and slowly reworked into a more road-friendly set-up.
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22. 1972 Aston Martin DBS V8 (est: €130-180,000/£110-150,000/US$135-187,000)
Not a fan of orange hues? You might want to skip this slide.
If the painted wheels and body-coloured grille aren’t enough, then take a look at the bright-orange cabin.
A car cover is included in this Bonhams|Cars sale. No prizes for guessing what colour it is…
Interestingly, it left the factory with Cairngorm Brown paintwork and an Olive Green interior, and went through this striking transformation in the 2010s.
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23. 1974 Honda Z600 (est: €15-25,000/£13-21,000/US$16-26,000)
We’re not quite finished with the orange onslaught… How about this Honda Z600 and the Aston Martin DBS V8 from the previous slide for a funky two-car garage? No?
It was carefully maintained by owners in northern France until it was acquired by a Parisian collector in the 2010s.
It was bought by a retired mechanic in 2022, who eventually put more than 250 hours into restoring it. It’s being offered in the Artcurial sale.
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24. 1975 Lamborghini Countach LP400 ‘Periscopio’ (est: €750-900,000/£600-750,000/US$800-950,000)
Early Lamborghini Countachs are devoid of the big wings and splitters that adorn later iterations of the Marcello Gandini-designed supercar.
‘Periscopio’ models, named for their periscope-style rear-view mirror, are among the most desirable.
About 150 examples were built, including this silver LP400 in the RM Sotheby’s auction.
Originally painted red, then refinished in yellow, chassis 1120142 has sported this silver-over-tan combination since the 2000s.
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25. 1985 Lancia Delta S4 Stradale (est: €480-680,000/£400-570,000/US$500-707,000)
Lancia’s four-wheel-drive rally weapon, the Delta S4, perhaps never reached its full potential.
It was introduced just one year before Group B was banned, but that didn’t stop it from achieving a handful of wins, including the 1985 RAC Rally.
Regulations stipulated that a certain number of roadgoing vehicles had to be built.
One of about 70 constructed, this S4 Stradale (Italian for ‘road’) has covered just 5600km (3480 miles) and comes with a big history file.
It will go under the hammer in the Bonhams|Cars auction.
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26. 1986 Audi 5000CS quattro Speed Record (est: €100-200,000/£84-170,000/US$104-208,000)
In an attempt to generate publicity in North America, Audi decided to have a go at breaking the record for the fastest all-wheel-drive car driven on a circuit.
It managed it with this modified Audi 5000CS saloon, one of the curiosities consigned to the Bonhams|Cars sale.
In March 1986, multiple Indianapolis 500 winner Bobby Unser clocked 206.3mph on a 46-sec lap of Talladega Superspeedway in Alabama, USA.
A previous owner saved the car from being scrapped and it was recently recommissioned by a specialist.
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27. 1989 Isdera 036i Spyder (est: €230-280,000/£193-235,000/US$239-291,000)
Eberhard Schulz, creator of the Ford GT40-esque Erator GTE and Mercedes-Benz CW311 prototype, designed this largely forgotten roadster.
Powered by a Mercedes-sourced six-cylinder engine, the Isdera 036i Spyder was an evolution of the 033i Spyder and fixed-roof Imperator.
This car was displayed on Isdera’s stand at the 1989 Geneva motor show.
In 2011, it returned to the Isdera factory for a refresh. It’s now got a more powerful, AMG-developed engine.
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28. 1990 Range Rover V8 T2 (est: €70-90,000/£59-76,000/US$73-94,000)
This was the first of four Range Rovers built by the Halt’up! team for off-road events.
Modifications included three 260-litre fuel tanks to feed the 280bhp V8 engine and a cantilever-style suspension to replace the standard set-up.
It competed in the 1991 and 1992 Paris-Dakar, the 1993 Tunisia Rally, the 1996 Atlas Rally and more, driven regularly by ex-Formula One driver Patrick Tambay.
The Bonhams|Cars sale includes many period photographs.
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29. 2000 Porsche 911 GT3 (est: €70-100,000/£60-85,000/$75-105,000)
You can hardly call a £60,000-plus car a bargain, but in the pantheon of Porsche GT department legends, the 996-series GT3 (the first to wear the now-famous badge) is seemingly good value.
Power comes from a flat-six engine derived from the GT1 Le Mans racer.
This Guards Red car will be offered in the RM Sotheby’s sale.
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30. 2008 Bentley Continental Flying Star (est: €300-400,000/£250-330,000/US$$310-415,000)
Coachbuilt versions of modern cars are much less popular than they used to be, but Touring Superleggera proved it still knew how to wow with this shooting-brake reinterpretation of the Bentley Continental GT.
One of just 19 built, this Flying Star started life as a Bentley Continental GTC convertible.
It was handed to the Italian coachbuilder and converted into an elegant three-door estate.
Prior to the RM Sotheby’s auction, this one-owner Bentley’s odometer showed just 7467km (4640 miles).
If you’d like more information on any of the lots featured, or to view the full catalogues from the Rétromobile 2025 sales, click on the following links: Artcurial; RM Sotheby’s; Bonhams|Cars.